Three Good Things

Leni has lived in so many different places in the last few years that she’s not surprised when her mom wakes her in the middle of the night and tells her to pack up her things. 

The reason for this move? Her mom tells her they have won the lottery, and they have to go underground. Leni is still not surprised when they end up in a filthy motel. But when Leni makes a new friend and tries to explain their lifestyle, she begins to understand just how messed up her life has become. 

Every day, Leni fights the isolation and loneliness of living with a parent with a mental illness. She constantly worries about her mother. Did she take her medication? Where will they sleep tonight? To make matters worse, she doesn’t have anyone to turn to for help. Even though her grandfather gives them money, he isn’t willing to take them in. While many teens might not relate to Leni’s situation, they will understand her desire to have friends and a stable home life.  

Three Good Things gives readers a look at the difficulties caused by homelessness and mental illness. Since talking about these topics is difficult, reading about Leni’s situation will help readers empathize with others. Because the book is short, it lacks depth and doesn’t describe some of the harsher details of homelessness and mental illness. However, this also keeps the book moving at a fast pace to hold the reader’s attention.   

As part of the Orca Current collection, Three Good Things is specifically for middle-school students reading below grade level. The book is published in Orca’s Ultra-Readable format with enhanced features such as a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, and increased line spacing to improve reading accessibility for dyslexic and reluctant readers.  

With a likable protagonist, a high-interest topic, and a fast-paced plot, Three Good Things will appeal to many readers. The story is a quick, enjoyable read that encourages others to look for the positives in life. If you’d like to explore the topic of homelessness in more detail, read How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor, Almost Home by Joan Bauer, and Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. 

Sexual Content  

• Leni punched her landlord when he “squeezed me against the wall in the hall one day to feel me up.” 

Violence  

• After Leni takes a lottery ticket away from her mother, Leni’s mom “whacks me with her shoe.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

• Leni frequently mentions her grandfather’s smoking.  

• Leni’s mother is supposed to take medication for her mental illness. Leni often refers to the meds but doesn’t give specific information.  

• Leni’s grandmother accidentally overdosed on mental health medication. 

Language  

• Crap is used four times. 

Supernatural 

• None 

Spiritual Content  

• None